Memory Tips from my book Training Your Brain For Dummies

WATCH In celebration of Memory Day here are 3 memory-related areas that we can boost:

1. SHORT-TERM MEMORY

Short-term memory is the space that you have to hold information for a short time. You can think of it like a holding zone—you won’t keep the information in your short-term memory for long, just long enough till you can transfer the information to a piece of paper, your computer, or even your long-term memory store.

TRY IT: Listen and then repeat these numbers:

NBCUSAATM

Now try it again:

NBC—USA—AT

Chunking – or breaking up information into smaller sections- is a great way to remember more

Another tip – Talk fast – Research has found that when we say things quickly, we can remember more information.

2. LONG-TERM MEMORY

Long-term memory is when you have to keep information for a long period of time. Some of this information can be kept for years and years like a memorable birthday; while other memories don’t last more than a week. Think of long-term memory like a library full of books. Some books get read more than others so it is easier to remember which shelf you left them on. With long-term memory, some experiences are better remembered than others because you think about them more.

As we get older one of the first things to go is our long-term memory but we can keep it sharp by keeping information relevant.

TRY IT: In 10 secondS, list as many vegetables as you can

What does this do: These games, known as fluency games, help keep information organized in our brain (this is one of the first things to go in someone with Alzheimer’s )

3. ATTENTION – Sometimes it can be hard to stay alert during a meeting

TRY IT: DOODLE! Grab a pen or pencil and tap into your creative side.

This “doodling effect” keeps your attention from drifting away- so that you still pay attention instead of daydreaming. It is also a great gatekeeper because it doesn’t actually compete for attention resources—doodling doesn’t require much focus or effort—so you can still focus on the task at hand.